The next full moon will rise at 2:26 p.m.EDT (1826 GMT) on Monday, August 19, 2024. This will be a Supermoon Blue Moon, making it a particularly special event!
Interestingly, this supermoon coincides with Raksha Bandhan, a traditional festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters in India. While enjoying the festivities, you can also look up to witness this extraordinary celestial event.
Sometimes, a supermoon or even a standard full moon might appear particularly large due to a visual illusion known as the “moon illusion.” This optical illusion makes the moon appear larger when it’s near the horizon compared to when it’s higher in the sky. This is because the brain compares the moon to objects on the horizon, like buildings or trees, which makes it seem bigger. When the moon is high up, there’s no reference point, so it looks smaller.
Supermoons this year
August’s supermoon will be the first of four this year, with additional ones on September 17, October 17, and November 15. October’s Hunter’s Moon, set to rise on October 17 at 7:26 a.m. ET (1126 GMT) will be the closest of these supermoons.
What is a Blue Moon?
As for the “Blue Moon,” this term doesn’t actually refer to the color. There are two definitions of a Blue Moon. The first, which applies to August 19, is the third full moon in a season with four full moons. The second, which emerged from a misinterpretation of the original definition, is the second full moon in a single calendar month. This monthly Blue Moon is now widely accepted as an alternative definition.
Tips for viewing the Supermoon Blue Moon
The Supermoon Blue Moon will officially rise at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT) on August 19, but it will look nearly full on the surrounding nights as well.
- Capture impressive size and beauty: Focus on showcasing the supermoon’s size and glow with careful planning and good weather.
- Choose a prominent foreground: Select a location with a noticeable foreground element like a tower, building, or landmark.
- Position and align: Set up at a significant distance from the foreground element and align it with the moonrise or moonset to use lens compression and perspective effectively.
- Handle practical challenges: Be aware that minor adjustments in positioning can affect the final shot, and choosing the right foreground is crucial.